Southern California holds multiweek Oktoberfest celebrations from the end of summer into November, with major events in Big Bear Lake and Huntington Beach starting Sept. 6-7. Events combine oompah bands, German foods like brats and giant pretzels, traditional clothing such as dirndls and lederhosen, and imported beers served in large steins. American festival additions include the chicken dance, rock and country cover bands, local craft beers, contests, and sing-alongs that encourage crowd participation. Many festivals welcome families, while some are adults-only; patrons should verify age and payment and entry policies in advance. Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest runs Fridays through Sundays, featuring German bands primarily indoors and American cover bands outdoors.
From the mountains to the sea, Oktoberfest is a major pastime in Southern California from the end of summer well into the fall. Two of the biggest celebrations begin this weekend, Sept. 6-7, in Big Bear Lake and Huntington Beach. Both continue into November. Oktoberfest here is a combination of oompah bands, German foods such as brats and giant pretzels, German clothes such as dirndls and lederhosen, and imported beer served in enormous steins.
"In between the bands we do a lot of contests. We do some different turns, singing and dancing songs that get the crowds to join us and come on out on the dance floor, like the chicken dance, the burger dance. But I think people really come for that sense of German and then enjoy all the other pieces that come with it."
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